Biology Syllabus

This class is part of a 3-year rotation of science classes designed to meet the state graduation requirements for students with autism. This class will have been prescribed by their IEP teams as the most appropriate method for meeting the science graduation requirements.

Course Goals/Learning Objectives

· Cells

· Living Things

· Habitats and Ecology

· Heredity

· Biological Population Change over Time:

· Objectives from the Ten Sigma Rubrics

· Listening Well (Rubric 2)

· Paying Attention to the Speaker (Rubric 3)

· Following Directions Promptly (Rubric 4)

· Following Verbal Directions Well (Rubric 5)

· Following Written Directions or Procedures Well (Rubric 6)

· Comprehending Written Information Well (Rubric 7)

· Writing Clearly and to the Point ( Rubric8)

· Presenting Ideas in a Clear and Logical Manner (Rubric 11)

· Interacting Well in a Group Setting (Rubric 17)

· Working Toward Group Goals (Rubric 21)

· Taking Effective Notes (Rubric 51)

· Accessing Community Resources (Rubric 54)

· Using computer and Internet (Rubric 55

Prerequisites/Technology Use

List courses, knowledge or skills students should already have attained prior to this class.

· There are no prerequisites with the exception of placement by the student’s IEP Team.

· Computer skills will be addressed at the student’s skill level. Modifications and/ or adaptations will be made according the IEP

· .Students will be expected to follow the Minneapolis Public Schools Technology guidelines and internet policy.

Required Textbooks/Equipment

Life Science: Concepts and Challenges. Globe-Fearon, 4^th edition, 2003.

Classroom Procedures/Policies

Although the content is delivered in a small group setting, the class is individualized in regards to grading, work completion, and extended time. The student will follow the procedures and adaptations outlined in his/her IEP. Given that, the following expectations are general goals for all participants:

. All school policies and procedures are followed in this course. (School policies can be found in your student’s planner.)
Students are expected to be on time.
Students are expected to do their best and participate. All work is expected to be completed by the due dates, with modifications specified in the student’s IEP. When needed, special accommodations will used as outlined in the individual's IEP. Individual case managers will be consulted to meet different needs.
Come Prepared! Students need a notebook, folder, and writing utensil. Any other learning materials will be specified when needed.

Assessment will be individualized and will follow the student’s Individualized Educational Plan.

Assignments

And

Assessments

. All school policies and procedures are followed in this course. (School policies can be found in your student’s planner.)
Students are expected to be on time.
Students are expected to do their best and participate. All work is expected to be completed by the due dates, with modifications specified in the student’s IEP. When needed, special accommodations will used as outlined in the individual's IEP. Individual case managers will be consulted to meet different needs.
Come Prepared! Students need a notebook, folder, and writing utensil. Any other learning materials will be specified when needed.

Assessment will be individualized and will follow the student’s Individualized Educational Plan.

Content area material will be graded using the standard Minneapolis Public Schools grading scale.

Student Code of Conduct

All students are expected to adhere to the Southwest High School and Minneapolis District Citywide Discipline Policy, designed to promote a safe and respectful learning environment. For more information about your rights and responsibilities consult your Southwest Student/Parent Handbook

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism/Consequences

It is expected that members of this class will observe strict policies of academic honesty and will be respectful of each other. Any instances in which cheating, including plagiarism and unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, computer accounts, or someone else’s work is determined, will be referred to Student Services and will be investigated to its full extent.